08-28-1996 Council Agenda - Laserfiche WebLink

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(X+ 2(41% reet-texcae 515 Little Canada Road, Little Canada, MN 55117 -1600 (612) 484 -2177 / FAX: (612) 484 -4538 August 23, 1996 TO: Mayor Fahey and Members of the City Council FROM: Kathy Glanzer, Administrative Assistant RE: Thorp Variance Request MAYOR Michael I. Fahey COUNCIL Beverly Scalze Jim LaValle Steve Morel= Bob Pedersen ADMINISTRATOR Joel R. Hanson Earlier this summer, Mr. Thorp contacted City staff asking for the sideyard setback for a shed. He was informed that the setback was 10 feet not realizing his property was a corner lot which requires a 30 -foot setback from all roadways. Mr. Thorp then applied for a building permit for the shed. At the time of application, no sketch plan was submitted. Mr. Thorp indicated he would submit the plan when he received it. A building permit was issued without the plan and without further checking of the address. After construction of the shed was nearly completed, the Building Inspector noted it was encroaching into the setback area. A meeting was held with Mr. Thorp, the Building Inspector, and Code Enforcement Officer explaining the problem and discussing the options. It was the City's position that without a variance, the shed would have to be relocated to meet setback requirements. Given the fact Mr. Thorp relied on staff statement of a 10 foot setback, the City offered to cover the cost of a new slab for the garage in an appropriate location, or Mr. Thorp could pursue a variance and the City would waive the variance application fees. Mr. Thorp chose the variance option. He was informed that a hardship is necessary to justify a variance and that can be difficult to prove. Staff is concerned that a variance should not be granted solely due to the reliance on misinformation we provided. Page 47